Let’s be real here -- the COVID-19-induced quarantine has been getting us too relaxed. Sadly, my Day Designer planner has too many cross-offs and postponed plans for my liking (I’m still the “🥺” emoji about it) and sometimes, it feels like my eyes see nothing except the Holy Trinity -- Hulu, Netflix and YouTube each day. Now, because I have always sought to seize the day, I find myself missing my 8 a.m. Starbucks runs, brunch dates with friends and yes, dishing out my pastel highlighters to feed my planner with my love of always having something to do. That previously mentioned Trinity is not one I find myself worshiping all that often because, while it was a difficult adjustment at first, it was not long before I started maximizing my days with an hour-by-hour quarantine schedule (*a virtual moment of silence for the fact that I am still making schedules during an internationally-accepted time of rest*). Go figure.
Anyways, it’s good to relax. It’s great, actually. But I think I can speak for everyone reading this when I say that it can become so easy for the days to feel the same. So, here is an hour-by-hour quarantine schedule for you to save to your favorites, set as your lock screen and adopt ASAP (and, if all else fails, you have full permission to idolize your favorite TV trio until the world decides to reopen).
Anyways, it’s good to relax. It’s great, actually. But I think I can speak for everyone reading this when I say that it can become so easy for the days to feel the same. So, here is an hour-by-hour quarantine schedule for you to save to your favorites, set as your lock screen and adopt ASAP (and, if all else fails, you have full permission to idolize your favorite TV trio until the world decides to reopen).
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8:00 A.M.: RISE & SHINE BABY
While waking up with the sun is not everyone’s style, hopping out of your soft sheets before, like noon (indicative of my friends during this time), promotes upbeatness and lessens depression-like symptoms. I trained myself to wake up at 7:00 a.m. each morning for my college classes during the semesters (and super-trained myself to wake up at 5:00 a.m. for my summer internship) so I wanted to maintain a sense of normalcy, despite my planner glaring at me with its empty, you-can-do-anything-you-want-today pages. Even as an early riser, I can attest it is not simple waking up at the crack of dawn during this insomnia-induced quarantine. After all, even though school and work meetings are still prevailing on Zoom, we can all benefit from resting more and putting on a face mask (meaning a skincare-related face mask, although you should be wearing a medical one when you leave your house, too). For me, 8:00 a.m. is the ideal time. And despite not waking up with the sun, I still feel so much lightness and brightness in the morning (after I grumble a little bit to roll out of bed -- as my family has come to accept with some love and grace). Here is a rundown of my pre-morning routine:
Or, even one. But starting your mornings with a grateful heart places your thoughts in a good position to start the day. Not to mention, this step has you following those Pinterest quotes that preach “start each day with a grateful heart” to the fullest extent. |
Graphic by Victoria Giardina
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2. Drink some water.
I always have a glass of water on my bedside table. Yes, iced toffee nut lattes are very much a prominent personality trait for me (check out my Twitter bio for proof), but you should always hydrate before you caffeinate. If you haven’t adopted the Hydroflask way of life yet, that is okay. As long as you are getting your H2O, that is what matters most for your long-term health. Bonus points for infusing fresh fruit, like cucumbers and strawberries, into your water for a splash of freshness.
3. Put on a 🔥 playlist to get your mornings off to a good start.
Before I suggest the best, feel-good beats to maximize your mornings, I have to add a disclaimer here: I do not check my notifications or scroll through my social media feed until about 11:00 a.m. This allows me to truly enjoy my mornings, distraction-free.
First a disclaimer, now a confession -- I have a Spotify obsession and need an intervention. Finding new bops and crafting good mixes into playlists has almost made me want to make it my life’s work. That said, my favorite morning playlist is a tie between my “good vibes only” and “rise + shine” selections. You can listen to both of these, and my other treasured creations here.
4. Yes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Yes, it is. And no, you don’t have to whip up an Instagram-worthy avocado toast concoction each morning to appreciate it (sidenote: remember the days of Count Chocula cereal before starting a carefree day of the third grade? Ah, the times…). After I brush my teeth and wash my face with the cleanser I swear by, I usually make my favorite breakfast: Siggi’s natural vanilla and cinnamon yogurt, topped with walnuts, strawberries and chia seeds. Coming in as a close second has been a quick and easy Nutella toast (again, topped with strawberries). And, in third place, has to be scrambled eggs on toast with Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning (a sprinkle of heaven, truly) and a side of an avocado. So, not avocado toast but maybe its cousin.
9:00 A.M.: READ SOMETHING INSPIRING
After a heart-healthy breakfast, I like to read something that motivates me throughout the day. Maybe that looks like inspirational quotes stuck to your mirror. Perhaps another chapter in your most cherished, self-help book. For me, I go through a faith-based, daily devotional and journal in my new floral journal a bit after. It puts my mind at ease for the rest of the day as I sit at my desk and play a soft, acoustic playlist. Reading and journaling is something that most set aside for the evenings (I still do) but I have noticed a more peaceful change when this is incorporated into my morning routine, especially during COVID-19 when we can all take up a more tranquil start to each day.
10:00 A.M.: STRETCH + MOVE YOUR BODY
Now that you’re in the right headspace, it’s time to connect it to your mind, soul and body. I have a ballet stretch playlist -- inspired by my pre-dance routine -- that I pair with about a 10-minute stretch. So, try out some butterfly stretches (my favorite), elongate into lunges and improve your flexibility to prepare for an at-home workout -- the perfect style amid COVID-19 stay-at-home regulations.
Once you are fully stretched, try a fun workout! I have always been loyal to ones on my health + fitness board but recently, I have been enjoying guided videos by Cambria Joy, Planet Fitness and Sydney Cummings. Whatever your preference, make sure you are listening to your body and taking a rest day (or two) if needed.
11:00 A.M.: SHOWER + SELF-CARE
Nothing beats a refreshing shower after a good workout, right? I’ve been loving my Bumble and bumble products, especially the Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer which I spritz on my hair after my shower.
Haircare is great and all but when I hear self-care, a picture-perfect vision of green tea, a blanket and a face mask come to mind. I applaud you if you have mastered your skincare routine during quarantine (I know I have), but it is always nice to try new products. I spent my birthday during the pandemic and, instead of my best friend purchasing me one of those “I turned 20 in quarantine” t-shirts that I hope I will *never* have to wear again, she dropped off three face masks from Origins. I highly recommend the Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores. Five out of five ⭐’s.
12:00 P.M.: CRAFT A CHARCUTERIE LUNCH
I come from an Italian family which means that food is embedded in practically every crevice of my house. While I am basking in the cultural stereotype right now, I am truly grateful and my hearts go out to those who do not have access to food during this time (you can donate to the Food Bank for New York City here).
That being said -- when you are social-distance shopping at supermarkets and adding items to your Instacart order, make sure you do not resort to panic-buying. You can craft a casual (and picture-cute) charcuterie board with some crackers, assorted cheeses and some savory additions to its wooden palette. And, not to mention, you can use leftovers for a snack while watching your favorite TV show (mine has been Gilmore Girls recently and I honestly do not know what I am going to do when I get to the series finale).
1:00 P.M.: GO ON A WALK
I don’t know about you, but I have seen more people in my neighborhood outside than ever before. Nice, summer-esque weather is upon us and whether you walk alone and plug into a podcast or decide to go on a walk with loved ones you have been quarantining with, take advantage of some fresh air and leave your house -- even for a little while.
2:00 P.M.: FACETIME A FRIEND
I have been a personal fan of FaceTime before the pandemic hit but now, *insert laughing emoji here*. I am always on call with high school friends, college friends and family (we had a virtual Easter celebration on Zoom). Even if it is for 15 minutes, catching up has been exactly what I needed. You can even tell your group of gal pals to download House Party and play games similar to Heads Up and Pictionary. Much love to my friends who have had to witness my not-even-amateur level drawing skills.
3:00 P.M.: YOUR CREATIVE HOUR TO CHERISH
My favorite time of the day has hit! I stumbled across a quote the other day that said “creators don’t separate from their work, because they are their work.” That seems to explain why creatives tend to get overwhelmed (I plead the fifth) but dedicating one hour to dive into your creative juices through calligraphy, poetry or journaling is always worth it, and I always feel more inspired and productive. Something about investing in your creative side is magical and is the perfect midday pick-me-up (with a cup of coffee, of course).
4:00 P.M.: UNWIND WITH YOUR FAVORITE GUILTY PLEASURE
Maybe it’s Hulu. Maybe it’s Netflix. Maybe it’s watching every YouTube video ever posted by your favorite content creator (one of my favorites is Brooke Miccio). Regardless of your go-to watch, relaxxxx. This daily routine has already been productive up to this point, so unwind and take the free time to its max potential.
5:00 P.M.: MEDITATE + LISTEN TO A PODCAST
Even though I am not subjected to writing five million writing pieces a day for journalism assignments, I still, like most people, find myself staring at a screen for a good chunk of the day (thank goodness for my blue light glasses!). I’ve never been the biggest podcast connoisseur, simply because I feel like podcasts were bound to activities like cleaning, cooking or getting ready. Sometimes, when I find myself in a lull during the day, I will find a comfy place to sit, close my eyes and take in all the wisdom from the podcasts I listen to. I have too many favorites to list, but some of my favorites are Abiding Together, Views from The Porch and Heart of Dating.
6:00 P.M.: EAT DINNER
Family dinners have always been my favorite. If you know me, you are fully aware that getting my mom out of the kitchen is a daunting task. Well luckily, I was able to whip up some new recipes, including homemade vodka sauce that was simply divine. With the lighting of a candle and soft dinner music playing from my laptop Spotify screen, who needs a Zagat-rated Italian restaurant? Most of them are closed because of our dear friend Corona, anyway.
7:00 P.M.: YOUR PRODUCTIVE PERIOD
This is kind of a free period. Whether it’s catching up on work, cleaning or just tying up loose ends, it’s much-needed to have a slight break during the day, for relaxation or simply to maintain your mental sanity.
8:00 P.M.: GAME NIGHT
Yay, games! I’ll admit it -- I grew up in a competitive household that thrived off destroying my hotels during a game of Monopoly. But despite my family taking board games (and even card games) a little too far, it is always a great time. So whip out the oldies like Clue and Scattergories and make some memories. We have all the free time in the world right now and there is no better time like the present (I need to stop sounding like Oprah for a second, my apologies).
If you are quarantining alone, not to worry -- there are several ways to virtually play games with friends. You can even play MarioKart or Animal Crossing, the latter being a fan-favorite quarantine activity for most.
9:00 P.M.: BAKE
Yes, I have a sweet tooth. Instead of snacking on chips and salsa, I have a talent of transforming it into a meal sometimes but I can never resist a piece of dark chocolate. So why not bake? I have been loving the cookbook published by Tieghan Gerard, Half Baked Harvest curator, and made her chocolate chip peanut butter swirled cookie bars (or, as my brother would call them, “crack” cookies). There’s something so relaxing about browsing through the library of cookbooks I have at my house and finding a new recipe to share with my family. Instead of aimlessly scrolling on your phone, take the apron out of your kitchen drawer, grab a handheld mixer and get bakin’.
10:00 P.M.: READ + JOURNAL
This is another treasured moment of my day. I love turning off the lights in my room and having my bedside-table lamp illuminating the pages of my current read (recently, it has been The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis -- a sweet classic). Taking notes on your book has my inner nerd come out sometimes and if I am not taking notes, I am journaling anything that is circulating in my mind. You know that feeling too -- when you are about to go to sleep and your brain won’t be quiet? It happens to the best of us.
11:00 P.M.: HIT THOSE ZZZ’S
It’s been quite a day! Usually, when my eyes start to flutter while reading, I know it is time to prop my book on my nightstand and head off to sleep. If I can’t sleep, I love listening to the Dreamy Vibes playlist on Spotify. It always takes me into a sleepy abyss and ready for the next day in quarantine life. Sweet dreams!
I always have a glass of water on my bedside table. Yes, iced toffee nut lattes are very much a prominent personality trait for me (check out my Twitter bio for proof), but you should always hydrate before you caffeinate. If you haven’t adopted the Hydroflask way of life yet, that is okay. As long as you are getting your H2O, that is what matters most for your long-term health. Bonus points for infusing fresh fruit, like cucumbers and strawberries, into your water for a splash of freshness.
3. Put on a 🔥 playlist to get your mornings off to a good start.
Before I suggest the best, feel-good beats to maximize your mornings, I have to add a disclaimer here: I do not check my notifications or scroll through my social media feed until about 11:00 a.m. This allows me to truly enjoy my mornings, distraction-free.
First a disclaimer, now a confession -- I have a Spotify obsession and need an intervention. Finding new bops and crafting good mixes into playlists has almost made me want to make it my life’s work. That said, my favorite morning playlist is a tie between my “good vibes only” and “rise + shine” selections. You can listen to both of these, and my other treasured creations here.
4. Yes, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
Yes, it is. And no, you don’t have to whip up an Instagram-worthy avocado toast concoction each morning to appreciate it (sidenote: remember the days of Count Chocula cereal before starting a carefree day of the third grade? Ah, the times…). After I brush my teeth and wash my face with the cleanser I swear by, I usually make my favorite breakfast: Siggi’s natural vanilla and cinnamon yogurt, topped with walnuts, strawberries and chia seeds. Coming in as a close second has been a quick and easy Nutella toast (again, topped with strawberries). And, in third place, has to be scrambled eggs on toast with Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning (a sprinkle of heaven, truly) and a side of an avocado. So, not avocado toast but maybe its cousin.
9:00 A.M.: READ SOMETHING INSPIRING
After a heart-healthy breakfast, I like to read something that motivates me throughout the day. Maybe that looks like inspirational quotes stuck to your mirror. Perhaps another chapter in your most cherished, self-help book. For me, I go through a faith-based, daily devotional and journal in my new floral journal a bit after. It puts my mind at ease for the rest of the day as I sit at my desk and play a soft, acoustic playlist. Reading and journaling is something that most set aside for the evenings (I still do) but I have noticed a more peaceful change when this is incorporated into my morning routine, especially during COVID-19 when we can all take up a more tranquil start to each day.
10:00 A.M.: STRETCH + MOVE YOUR BODY
Now that you’re in the right headspace, it’s time to connect it to your mind, soul and body. I have a ballet stretch playlist -- inspired by my pre-dance routine -- that I pair with about a 10-minute stretch. So, try out some butterfly stretches (my favorite), elongate into lunges and improve your flexibility to prepare for an at-home workout -- the perfect style amid COVID-19 stay-at-home regulations.
Once you are fully stretched, try a fun workout! I have always been loyal to ones on my health + fitness board but recently, I have been enjoying guided videos by Cambria Joy, Planet Fitness and Sydney Cummings. Whatever your preference, make sure you are listening to your body and taking a rest day (or two) if needed.
11:00 A.M.: SHOWER + SELF-CARE
Nothing beats a refreshing shower after a good workout, right? I’ve been loving my Bumble and bumble products, especially the Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer which I spritz on my hair after my shower.
Haircare is great and all but when I hear self-care, a picture-perfect vision of green tea, a blanket and a face mask come to mind. I applaud you if you have mastered your skincare routine during quarantine (I know I have), but it is always nice to try new products. I spent my birthday during the pandemic and, instead of my best friend purchasing me one of those “I turned 20 in quarantine” t-shirts that I hope I will *never* have to wear again, she dropped off three face masks from Origins. I highly recommend the Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores. Five out of five ⭐’s.
12:00 P.M.: CRAFT A CHARCUTERIE LUNCH
I come from an Italian family which means that food is embedded in practically every crevice of my house. While I am basking in the cultural stereotype right now, I am truly grateful and my hearts go out to those who do not have access to food during this time (you can donate to the Food Bank for New York City here).
That being said -- when you are social-distance shopping at supermarkets and adding items to your Instacart order, make sure you do not resort to panic-buying. You can craft a casual (and picture-cute) charcuterie board with some crackers, assorted cheeses and some savory additions to its wooden palette. And, not to mention, you can use leftovers for a snack while watching your favorite TV show (mine has been Gilmore Girls recently and I honestly do not know what I am going to do when I get to the series finale).
1:00 P.M.: GO ON A WALK
I don’t know about you, but I have seen more people in my neighborhood outside than ever before. Nice, summer-esque weather is upon us and whether you walk alone and plug into a podcast or decide to go on a walk with loved ones you have been quarantining with, take advantage of some fresh air and leave your house -- even for a little while.
2:00 P.M.: FACETIME A FRIEND
I have been a personal fan of FaceTime before the pandemic hit but now, *insert laughing emoji here*. I am always on call with high school friends, college friends and family (we had a virtual Easter celebration on Zoom). Even if it is for 15 minutes, catching up has been exactly what I needed. You can even tell your group of gal pals to download House Party and play games similar to Heads Up and Pictionary. Much love to my friends who have had to witness my not-even-amateur level drawing skills.
3:00 P.M.: YOUR CREATIVE HOUR TO CHERISH
My favorite time of the day has hit! I stumbled across a quote the other day that said “creators don’t separate from their work, because they are their work.” That seems to explain why creatives tend to get overwhelmed (I plead the fifth) but dedicating one hour to dive into your creative juices through calligraphy, poetry or journaling is always worth it, and I always feel more inspired and productive. Something about investing in your creative side is magical and is the perfect midday pick-me-up (with a cup of coffee, of course).
4:00 P.M.: UNWIND WITH YOUR FAVORITE GUILTY PLEASURE
Maybe it’s Hulu. Maybe it’s Netflix. Maybe it’s watching every YouTube video ever posted by your favorite content creator (one of my favorites is Brooke Miccio). Regardless of your go-to watch, relaxxxx. This daily routine has already been productive up to this point, so unwind and take the free time to its max potential.
5:00 P.M.: MEDITATE + LISTEN TO A PODCAST
Even though I am not subjected to writing five million writing pieces a day for journalism assignments, I still, like most people, find myself staring at a screen for a good chunk of the day (thank goodness for my blue light glasses!). I’ve never been the biggest podcast connoisseur, simply because I feel like podcasts were bound to activities like cleaning, cooking or getting ready. Sometimes, when I find myself in a lull during the day, I will find a comfy place to sit, close my eyes and take in all the wisdom from the podcasts I listen to. I have too many favorites to list, but some of my favorites are Abiding Together, Views from The Porch and Heart of Dating.
6:00 P.M.: EAT DINNER
Family dinners have always been my favorite. If you know me, you are fully aware that getting my mom out of the kitchen is a daunting task. Well luckily, I was able to whip up some new recipes, including homemade vodka sauce that was simply divine. With the lighting of a candle and soft dinner music playing from my laptop Spotify screen, who needs a Zagat-rated Italian restaurant? Most of them are closed because of our dear friend Corona, anyway.
7:00 P.M.: YOUR PRODUCTIVE PERIOD
This is kind of a free period. Whether it’s catching up on work, cleaning or just tying up loose ends, it’s much-needed to have a slight break during the day, for relaxation or simply to maintain your mental sanity.
8:00 P.M.: GAME NIGHT
Yay, games! I’ll admit it -- I grew up in a competitive household that thrived off destroying my hotels during a game of Monopoly. But despite my family taking board games (and even card games) a little too far, it is always a great time. So whip out the oldies like Clue and Scattergories and make some memories. We have all the free time in the world right now and there is no better time like the present (I need to stop sounding like Oprah for a second, my apologies).
If you are quarantining alone, not to worry -- there are several ways to virtually play games with friends. You can even play MarioKart or Animal Crossing, the latter being a fan-favorite quarantine activity for most.
9:00 P.M.: BAKE
Yes, I have a sweet tooth. Instead of snacking on chips and salsa, I have a talent of transforming it into a meal sometimes but I can never resist a piece of dark chocolate. So why not bake? I have been loving the cookbook published by Tieghan Gerard, Half Baked Harvest curator, and made her chocolate chip peanut butter swirled cookie bars (or, as my brother would call them, “crack” cookies). There’s something so relaxing about browsing through the library of cookbooks I have at my house and finding a new recipe to share with my family. Instead of aimlessly scrolling on your phone, take the apron out of your kitchen drawer, grab a handheld mixer and get bakin’.
10:00 P.M.: READ + JOURNAL
This is another treasured moment of my day. I love turning off the lights in my room and having my bedside-table lamp illuminating the pages of my current read (recently, it has been The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis -- a sweet classic). Taking notes on your book has my inner nerd come out sometimes and if I am not taking notes, I am journaling anything that is circulating in my mind. You know that feeling too -- when you are about to go to sleep and your brain won’t be quiet? It happens to the best of us.
11:00 P.M.: HIT THOSE ZZZ’S
It’s been quite a day! Usually, when my eyes start to flutter while reading, I know it is time to prop my book on my nightstand and head off to sleep. If I can’t sleep, I love listening to the Dreamy Vibes playlist on Spotify. It always takes me into a sleepy abyss and ready for the next day in quarantine life. Sweet dreams!
